In His Name, the Most High
Salaams
It would indeed be a major break-through if the Khoja community "elders" could be convinced to "allow" our sisters to participate in the march commemorating the martyrdom of al-Husayn(A), his family and companions.
However, since the entire act of commemorating Ashura is in fact Mustahab and not Wajib, this lobbying, should be coupled with lobbying for another much needed facility.
The facility for our sisters to attend the daily Jamaat prayers alongside the men - including (but definately not limited to) Friday Prayers.
It would be interesting to see if people are interested in lobbying for this as much as they are in lobbying for "permission to be granted for our sisters to join the julus".
It is well known that part - a significant part - of the entire Kerbala Epic - was the establishment of prayer, and the maintaining of Allah's name as the Most High, it is therefore, totally in sync with lobbying for the julus, to insist that the congregational prayers and Friday Prayer become events in which our sisters can partake. Naturally, it should also be noted that sufficient precautions should be undertaken to prevent such events becomming meeting and "eyeing up" grounds for the more corrupt of our community (I'm sure everyone is fully aware of what I say).
I appologise if I come across as cynical, but knowing this community, and especially it's elders, some of the "administration" are so far removed from what the true Islam of Muhammad(S) is, and so embroiled in their Minduism (Cultural Islam/ Pacified Islam/ Secularised Islam) that they actually believe it is bad for our sisters to be involved in these kind of events.
More importantly and tragically, the resident mullahs are unable(?) or unwilling(?) to address these problems, and choose instead to simply lead the prayers, perform the odd nikah, and talaq, give some advise, dish out inane masalah about various forms of Taharah and Ghusl, and job done, they are a good resident "Mullah".
Should anyone (let a lone the resident Mullah) speak out about real problems in the community - such as the 20% rate of HIV infections amongst the Asian Community in Dar es-Salaam, the rate of increase in marital abuse and voilence, the increase in the number of failed marriages (out of 12 marriages performed a year ago on a large khushiali, only 4 have survived - that is a serious problem), the exponential increase of marital infidelity, gambling related vices, alcohol and narcotic consumption and abuse, rises in incestuous relationships, extra marital affairs - leading to divorse or partner swapping scenarios, contributions and assistance given for sexual services, etc, then that person is ostrasized by the community, and barred from speaking at any "Khoja" Center, he/she is regarded as some sort of pariah, because the Khoja Community is "perfect" and has "no problems".
It is this problem of putting our heads in the proverbial sand that are more serious, and while it is commendable that my respected brothers and sisters are making a stand on the Julus issue, it would be somewhat more in sync with the actual message of Imam al-Husayn(A), that we make a stand - and attempt to combat and curtail the plethora of vices that are consuming our community like a cancer that spreads unabated.
If nothing is done, then the only thing that will be Islamic about our Community will be first names that people have - some argue that this is already the case. However, I should point out that I beg to differ, I believe there is still hope.
Some might think that Shabbir is "exagerating" the problems and "making this up", or getting carried away, eh, think what you want, it matters not, however, one thing that should be understood is that these problems exist, whether they are accepted or not is secondary. We might even know individually people afflicted by these social vices, and we might even cover for them. We should realise that these illnesses will destroy our future generations. Our generation might survive the onslaught of these vices, however what certainty is there that the next generation or the one after that will continue on the straight path?
The problem HAS to be addressed - especially in light of the commemoration of the martyrdom of Aba Abdillah al-Husayn(A), the imprisonment of the women, and the subsequant attrocities committed en-route to Kufa and Damascus and indeed in Damascus by the Yazid, his armies and associates.
Comments would be appreciated.
On a slightly off note; those who visit http://www.islamicdigest.net/ regularly will have noted that for about a week it has been down, this is nothing to be alarmed about, it is simply that our hosting provider's datacenter was being moved from one place to another and some downtime was expected. The site has now been moved successfully, and we are awaiting DNS propogation, insha Allah, the site will be up and running as per normal in the next 24-48 (max) hours. Basically, if you can see the image in my signature, then the site is up and running again :)
Edit:
I had forgotten to ask the people who are suggesting that "badly hijabed sisters should be confronted" (or words to the effect of), on what basis is one's hijab declared as bad?
Also, is not a julus a method of propogation of Islam? If people are pushed away because their "Hijab is percieved as bad", then what manner of tabligh is being performed? Instead, it would be more prudent to set an example and be gentle with said "offenders", and to advise them through action rather than confrontation.
Also, every time I have attended the julus as it stands (the one for men), I have noticed many people of other faiths walking along side, and being a party to the procession, what message would it send to them if people were being kicked out of the julus for observing what might appear in the eyes of some over-zealous individuals as "bad hijab"?
Also, the Julus should not just be a mindless procession, there should be pertinent slogans in English and more importantly Swahili, along with banners and plackards explaining the message of Imam Husayn(A), not ONLY from a historical perspective, but from a contemporary perspective, and linking in the struggle of our beloved brethren in Occupied Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq, Chechnya, Kashmir, etc.
There should be clear parallels drawn between Yazeed and his allies at that time, and the Amerikkkan Empire and it's Dajjalikkk tendencies in todays age, this is extremely important. If it is merely an occasion for the guys to eye up the gals, for suggestive glances across a crowd, and other such immature activities then frankly such a julus should be condemned, however, if it works in the right manner then it should be supported.
To those who wish to "be firm" agaisnt those who observe "bad hijab", I would say, be firm against those who mimick the actions of the Yazidite forces and who are the true enemies of Islam, and be tolerant of your believing brother and sister - correct their mistakes with love and compassion. Remember, it might also be YOU who is mistaken in some arena, and as Isa(A) the son of Maryam(A) has taught:
"Do as thou would be done"
(Treat others in a manner which you expect them to treat you).
This message is an eteranl message and echoes through the ages.
We should remember that Imam Husayn(A)'s message was no different to the message given by our beloved Prophet(S), Muhammad ibn Abdillah(S):
We should also remember that we are followers - or at the very least attempting to be followers - of Imam al-Hujjah(AJ), and we should act with the dignity that such a follower should have.
It is crucial to remember this, and think about all our actions, past and present, and reflect on whether we are truely with al-Hujjah(A) or are subconciously partnering with the Dajjalikkk Forces.
A powerful argument that can be presented to those who oppose the establishment of socio-political activities by our sisters - such as the daily prayers in congregation, the Friday prayer, processions against injustice and in support of the oppressed - such as the Julus to commemorate Ashura are presented in the images below:
(I appologise for the length of this post, however, as my respected brothers and sisters will come to realise, I tend to be quite verbose in my communications - please bear with them.)
With Salaams and Dua's
Shabbir